Nick Browne

Nick Browne came in the headlines when he averaged 54.16 in the Championship during the 2014 season, winning hearts of many Essex’s fans and well-wishers. He is another left-handed opening-batsman for Essex CCC who plays the new ball watchfully, then amasses runs with his strokes. Browne has been a regular for the county since his debut, but his long-due Three Lions’ cap is still awaiting. 

Born in Leytonstone, a gritty Browne made his first-class debut against ​​Worcestershire in the 2013 county season, playing in three Championship matches. The 23-year-old had to wait a whole year before he cemented his place in a star-studded Essex line-up. During the 2014 county season, the southpaw scored a total of 650 runs, with a top score of 132* and ended the season with the First XI Young Player of the Year award. 

The following season was proven to be Browne’s year as he became the first player since Ravi Bopara in 2008 to score 1,000 runs in the County Championship season for Essex. In 2015, the youngster smashed five first-class centuries when he added his name to an elite list. He backed it with another run-racking year where he made three consecutive double tons, joining Alastair Cook in an Essex record opening stand of 373 runs. 

Later in 2015, Browne was rewarded with his List-A and T20 caps to represent Essex in the prestigious English domestic circles. Just like his opening partner, Sir Alastair Cook, the young-gun hasn’t been a prolific white-ball player, thus far. 

The Leytonstone-born was again among runs in the 2017 county season, as his tally of 1000+ runs helped Essex to secure the Championship title. Both Browne and Essex repeated the wonder of ‘17 in 2019, as the left-hander’s 710 runs helped the county to clinch their second trophy in three years. 

(As of July 2021)